Vaccines for COVID-19: How to get vaccinated
On this page
- Current recommendations
- Book a vaccination appointment
- Benefits of vaccination
- Timing of vaccination
- Vaccination after having COVID-19
- When to consult with your health care provider
Current recommendations
An updated COVID-19 vaccine has been approved by Health Canada and will be available for use.
COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness, death and post COVID-19 condition (long COVID).
Starting in fall 2023, it's recommended that you get an updated COVID-19 vaccine dose if it's been at least 6 months:
- since your last COVID-19 vaccine dose or
- since you last had COVID-19 (whichever happened later)
If you haven't received any COVID-19 vaccines before, the updated COVID-19 vaccine can be used for your vaccinations.
Approved vaccines are available at no cost for those 6 months of age and older. Canada continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination, particularly for those most at risk for infection with the COVID-19 virus or severe complications from COVID-19.
Contact your local public health unit for more information on vaccine recommendations and to book an appointment.
Book a vaccination appointment
Book an appointment through your province or territory:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Benefits of vaccination
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at helping to protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
Getting vaccinated may also reduce your risk of becoming infected and possibly developing post-COVID-19 condition. If you do become infected, being vaccinated also reduces the likelihood of developing symptoms of post COVID-19 condition compared to people who haven't received a COVID-19 vaccine.
Post COVID-19 condition, also known as long COVID, is when people still experience symptoms of COVID-19 for weeks or months after their initial infection.
Learn more about:
Timing of vaccination
Starting in fall 2023, it's recommended that you get an updated COVID-19 vaccine dose if it's been at least 6 months:
- since your last COVID-19 vaccine dose or
- since you last had COVID-19 (whichever happened later)
If you haven't received any COVID-19 vaccines before, the updated COVID-19 vaccine can be used for your vaccinations.
Provinces and territories design and deliver their own vaccination programs. As a result, vaccination recommendations, including timing of vaccination, may differ by region.
It's still unknown if COVID-19 is a seasonal disease, like flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). When receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, it's generally recommended to be at least 6 months after your previous dose or known infection with COVID-19.
For specific recommendations in your region, contact the public health unit of your province or territory for more information and to book an appointment.
Book a vaccination appointment
Learn more about:
Vaccination after having COVID-19
It's safe to receive a COVID-19 vaccine following infection with the COVID-19 virus. Vaccination is very important, even if you've had COVID-19. While infection alone provides some protection, vaccination after infection:
- helps improve the immune response
- provides better and longer-lasting protection
Evidence indicates that waiting a period of time after infection with the COVID-19 virus before getting the COVID-19 vaccine can help improve the immune response.
If you've been previously vaccinated and then had an infection with the COVID-19 virus, it's recommended that you receive your COVID-19 vaccine 6 or more months after your infection.
When to consult with a health care provider
If you have questions about getting your vaccine, consult with a health care provider, including if you:
- have questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccination
- are unsure if or when you should receive a COVID-19 vaccine
- are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19
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